Basics Since buying carpet for your home is a major purchase, it is best that you understand a little about what type you should buy, how it wears, and how to clean it. There are many different types for sale on the market. I will cover only a few, so you will have a little knowledge about your purchase before you go shopping. Ask yourself these questions: How much traffic will the room get? Is the room adjoining a yard? Is there direct sunlight into the room? How long do you want it to last? Cost: Typically the more you spend on your selection the longer it will last. If you are purchasing for say a playroom or even a rental unit,

you might plan on replacing it every year or two, so regulate you choice accordingly. Measure Quantity: Multiply the width by the length, divide by 9, and you will have the square yardage needed per room. Most carpet comes in rolls that are 12 feet wide. If your room is wider, than you will have an unnoticeable seam (if installed correctly). Choose type of pile: This where you decide the texture, appearance, and most importantly the long term durability quality. Level Loop pile: The loops of the yarn are woven in and out of the backing, and are all of the same height. Mullet-level loop pile: Same as above, but are staggered at different heights (does not show foot prints). Cut pile: Yarn is woven through the backing at the same length, and then cut in half at the top to give you a rich even texture (most popular, but not the most durable). Cut and loop pile: This weave is a combination of both cut evenly, and uncut, which is often refereed to as Sculptured. Carpet tiles: These carpet tiles (usually 18 inches by 18 inches) are the easiest to both install, and transport. They are mostly commercial grade and hold up under heavy traffic the best. Also with this type, they already have the foam padding attached, so you eliminate the purchase and installation of your padding. Maintenance With the purchase of your carpet selection, you should consider the purchase of a quality vacuum. The very best is an upright. Second choice would be a canister type with rotary brushes on the carpet attachment. Regular and frequent vacuuming is the key to making any selection of carpet last longer. So really, your vacuum is just as important as your choice of carpet. Cleaning When spot cleaning, always use a clean white towel or rag (terry cloth is the best). Use the cloth as a blotter, initially, until most of the spill is absorbed. Then rub in the direction of the weave (left to right and forward to backward) and never in circular motions. Wax or gum: Spread a white terry cloth towel over spill, use a hot iron to absorb the stain into the towel, keep rotating a clean area on the towel until the problem is gone. Grease: Always try warm water first, and if that doesn’t work, try a spot cleaner from your local grocery store. But remember no circular motions. Food: Same as grease, but replace the spot remover with a mild mixture of liquid detergent. Animal stains: First blot with white towel to remove as much of the mess as you can, than make a mixture of 1 cup warm water with 1/8 cup of baking soda. Soak the area good, then blot with a clean white terry cloth.

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